What is a Conveyancer? How much does a Conveyancer Cost in SA

If you’re wondering what is a conveyancer or how much does a conveyancer cost then you’ve come to the right place!

A simple definition of conveyancing is “the process of transferring legal ownership of a fixed property from one person (or a company or trust) to another.” In order to complete this transfer, a conveyance fee must be paid.

Conveyancing fees are one of the costs of buying a house in South Africa. These fees are separate from the transfer duty and it’s important to research and understand the conveyancing fees for buying and selling property.

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What is a Conveyancer

A conveyancer is an admitted attorney who has passed a specialized conveyancing examination and has been admitted as a Conveyancer by the High Court of South Africa.

A conveyancer’s job is to assist in the transfer of his immovable property. Their tasks include filing paperwork for a mortgage bond, cancellation figures and Title Deeds from the seller’s bank, and, if applicable, compliance certificates from the seller, as well as the amounts from the municipality for a Rates Clearance Certificate on the property in question.

How much does a Conveyancer Cost?

Heres everything you need to know about conveyancer fees in South Africa:

What are Conveyancing Fees

Conveyancer fees are variable based on guidelines issued by the Law Society of South Africa. The cost of a conveyancer in South Africa depends on the value of the property. Typically conveyors charge 0.7% and 1.2% of the value of your bond/property and an additional 15% VAT.

Conveyancing fees for buying a house

Here is an example of the conveyancing fees for buying a house valued at R1 590 000

Who pays Conveyancing Fees?

Although the seller appoints the conveyancing attorney, the conveyancing fees are paid by the purchaser.

Where to find a Conveyancing Attorney

Here are some industry experts to consider:

Conveyancing Attorneys in Cape Town

Conveyancing Attorneys Durban

Anisa Khan Attorneys
Vinesh Badri & Partners

Conveyancing Attorneys in Pretoria

VDT Attorneys (Brooklyn)
Rousseau and Rousseau Attorneys (Constantia Park)

Understanding what Conveyancers do

I chat to Phemi Sefemo – an admitted Attorney and Conveyancer of the High Court of South Africa. She is an Associate in Property Law Division at VDT Attorneys in Pretoria, South Africa.

She explains what qualifications are needed to be a conveyancer, day to day duties, and an attorney’s role in the transfer of legal property titles.

Listen to the full episode on the UNPACK Podcast

What is a conveyancer? What do you have to study and how long does it take to become one?
How much does a conveyancer cost: what are conveyancing fees? How are they determined?
Who pays conveyancing fees? Buyer or seller
Can I choose my own conveyancer or must I use the one recommended by the estate agent?
What is the difference between a conveyancer and a solicitor?
5 important questions, first time home buyers must ask their conveyancer